iLookOut for Child Abuse Using Online and Smartphone Micro-learning to Help Early Childhood Professionals Retain Knowledge and Improve Reporting

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether gamified micro-learning can effectively improve long-term knowledge retention about child abuse and its reporting among early childhood professionals. The trial builds on the iLookOut for Child Abuse online learning program, which has shown promise in increasing knowledge and reporting behaviors. This research aims to understand how knowledge decays over time after the core program and whether follow-up micro-learning activities help reinforce and sustain learning. Participants first complete a 3-hour interactive online program about child abuse and reporting. Then, they are randomly assigned to receive brief 5-10 minute gamified micro-learning exercises on their smartphones either immediately or after delays of 3, 6, or 12 months. These activities reinforce and expand on the core learning and offer practice opportunities. The micro-learning platform is integrated with the main program and awards professional development credit for participation. During the study, participants knowledge and satisfaction with the micro-learning are measured at multiple time points over five years. Researchers track completion rates, knowledge scores, and how well micro-learning helps remediate knowledge decay. The study also assesses the feasibility and participant satisfaction with this approach. The entire process is designed to prepare early childhood professionals to better identify and report suspected child abuse over the long term.

iLookOut for Child Abuse: Micro-learning to Improve Knowledge Retention